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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the creature was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.